The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra confirmed today that its principal timpanist, Timothy K. Adams Jr., has resigned to pursue other interests. He joined the PSO in the 1995-96 season.

"Tim is one of the few timpanists I have heard who can change the sound of an orchestra," said PSO president Lawrence Tamburri. "He is a great talent." Mr. Adams also appeared on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." For the past year and a half, much of it a sabbatical, he has been replaced by Christopher Allen. But Mr. Adams' position will be opened for auditions in the near future. (Andrew Druckenbrod, PG classical music critic)

The Irish-American newspaper, The Irish Echo, has named 36-year-old Robert Tierney of Brookline, one of the Top 40 Irish Americans Under 40. He was slated to be honored at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York Thursday night. Tierney, who was born in Dublin, is director of training at the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh.

A judge in Connecticut has postponed actor Rip Torn's next court appearance until March 9, citing a scheduling conflict.

The "Men in Black" actor was to appear in court on Wednesday to enter pleas to burglary and firearms charges.

He is accused of breaking into a bank in his hometown of Salisbury last month with a loaded revolver while intoxicated. Torn has been in an alcohol rehabilitation program since shortly after his January arraignment.

Virginia has granted official recognition for the Patawomeck Indians, the tribe of Virginia-born entertainer Wayne Newton.

The Senate passed a resolution Tuesday to grant state tribal recognition to the Patawomeck, or Potomac, tribe. The resolution already was passed by the House and takes effect immediately.

The state recognition gives the tribe a seat with the Virginia Council on Indians but does not grant sovereignty.

Newton visited the State Capitol earlier this month to ask for recognition for the tribe. He and Patawomeck Chief Robert Green said the move would validate their identity and help them protect sacred burial grounds.

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